{"id":11886,"date":"2025-09-05T14:27:31","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T14:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev-east-1.progyny.com\/?p=11886"},"modified":"2026-07-07T19:56:03","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T19:56:03","slug":"luteal-phase-deficiency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/education\/luteal-phase-deficiency\/","title":{"rendered":"How luteal phase deficiency may affect fertility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:15px\">Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team \u2014 August 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re trying to conceive, you probably know hormones play a big role in the process. What you may not know is how hormone levels shift during each phase of the menstrual cycle. Subtle changes can make a difference, and in some cases, they may play a role in difficulty getting pregnant. One condition related to this is called luteal phase deficiency, or LPD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding the luteal phase<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The luteal phase is the part of your menstrual cycle that starts after ovulation \u2014 when a mature egg is released \u2014 and ends when your next period begins. It usually lasts about 14 days, but it can range from 10 to 16 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After ovulation, the cells left behind in the ovary form what\u2019s called the corpus luteum. This structure makes the hormone progesterone, which is essential for early pregnancy. Progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus (endometrium) so it\u2019s ready for an embryo to attach and grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is luteal phase deficiency?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LPD, sometimes called luteal phase defect, happens when the body doesn\u2019t make enough progesterone during the luteal phase. A \u201cshort luteal phase\u201d means it lasts fewer than 10 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible causes of LPD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several factors may contribute to LPD, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hormone imbalances involving gonadotropin-releasing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or luteinizing hormone, which can affect estrogen and progesterone production. This includes conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, obesity, anorexia, or pituitary disorders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thyroid conditions or abnormal prolactin levels.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Having recently given birth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain medical conditions, such as a history of a kidney transplant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it might affect fertility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Low progesterone levels have plausibly been linked to infertility and early pregnancy loss, however LPD has not been found to be an independent cause of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One concern with a short luteal phase is that if progesterone drops too soon, the uterine lining may break down. This can trigger menstrual bleeding or possibly cause an early miscarriage. Without enough progesterone \u2014 and without a thick, healthy uterine lining \u2014 an embryo may not be able to implant and grow successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treatment options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Currently, no treatment has been proven to improve pregnancy rates in unmedicated cycles. In medicated or stimulated cycles, some healthcare providers recommend luteal support with progesterone, which may help improve the chances of maintaining a pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong>: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team \u2014 August 2025. If you\u2019re trying to conceive, you probably know hormones play a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":22768,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[271,230],"tags":[228],"class_list":["post-11886","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-female-infertility","category-education","tag-article"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How luteal phase deficiency may affect fertility | Progyny<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"LPD, sometimes called luteal phase defect, happens when the body doesn\u2019t make enough progesterone during the luteal phase.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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